Did you know you can still cross a historic covered bridge in Delaware? The Smith Covered Bridge spans the Brandywine Creek and is one of only a few remaining covered bridges here in the First State. Plan a visit to see it today and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Back in the 1800s, there were 26 covered bridges crossing creeks and rivers in Delaware. The Smith Bridge was built in 1839 and is one of only three historic covered bridges left in the state.
Library of Congress / Isaac Smith and Levy Court
On Halloween night, 1961, the original bridge was set on fire and destroyed. It was quickly rebuilt without a cover, but it was finally restored to its former self in 2002.
Library of Congress / Isaac Smith and Levy Court
The original bridge spanned 154’ feet, crossing the Brandywine Creek, and the restored version is the same. The Smith Bridge is more than twice as long as the other covered bridges left in Delaware - the Ashland (52’) and Wooddale (70’) Bridges.
Library of Congress / Isaac Smith and Levy Court
You can still drive across the Smith Bridge today, as it has been reinforced and restored over the years. Crossing the creek this way is like taking a trip back in time.
Flickr / James Walsh
Today, the bridge is a popular spot to drop in a kayak or tube on the peaceful Brandywine. Hundreds of people float right under this historic bridge every year.
Wikimedia Commons
Photographers and historians alike will enjoy a trip to see the longest covered bridge in Delaware. Be sure to bring your camera!
Google Local / Nathaniel Lee
All three of Delaware’s covered bridges are close together, so you can visit them all in one day. The Ashland Covered Bridge is the oldest of the three.
Library of Congress / Isaac Smith and Levy Court
Flickr / James Walsh
Wikimedia Commons
Google Local / Nathaniel Lee
If you can never get enough of these beautiful historic bridges, be sure to hop across the border to Pennsylvania, which is home to the most covered bridges of any state. The Brandywine Valley is home to several, and those country roads make for scenic driving any time of year.
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Address: Smith’s Bridge Covered Bridge, Smith Bridge Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
